NUSC vs. NUSA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NUSC (Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF) and NUSA (Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NUSC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small Cap, while NUSA is a Short-Term Bond fund tracking the ICE BofA Enhanced Yield US Broad Bond (1-5 Y). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, NUSC returned 4.65%/yr vs 1.58%/yr for NUSA. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NUSC charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for NUSA.

Performance

NUSC vs. NUSA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) and Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NUSC achieves a 13.66% return, which is significantly higher than NUSA's 0.48% return.

NUSC

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: 3.23%
• YTD: 13.66%
• 6M: 11.49%
• 1Y: 28.10%
• 3Y*: 13.78%
• 5Y*: 4.65%
• 10Y*: —

NUSA

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.29%
• YTD: 0.48%
• 6M: 0.74%
• 1Y: 3.19%
• 3Y*: 4.42%
• 5Y*: 1.58%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

NUSC vs. NUSA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NUSC Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF	13.66%	7.72%	8.29%	15.72%	-17.73%	17.51%	23.69%	27.09%	-9.40%	12.70%
NUSA Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	0.48%	5.89%	3.52%	5.19%	-5.91%	-1.04%	4.85%	5.62%	1.40%	1.24%

Correlation

The correlation between NUSC and NUSA is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.21
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.18
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2017	0.09

The correlation between NUSC and NUSA shifts across timeframes, from 0.09 (all time) to 0.28 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

NUSC vs. NUSA — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

NUSC

NUSC Risk / Return Rank: 54
NUSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
NUSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
NUSC Omega Ratio Rank: 46
NUSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
NUSC Martin Ratio Rank: 61

NUSA

NUSA Risk / Return Rank: 58
NUSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
NUSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
NUSA Omega Ratio Rank: 61
NUSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
NUSA Martin Ratio Rank: 53

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

NUSC vs. NUSA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) and Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	NUSC	NUSA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	1.76	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	2.74	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.34	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.79	2.50	+0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.07	8.47	+1.60

NUSC vs. NUSA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NUSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is comparable to the NUSA Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NUSC and NUSA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

NUSC vs. NUSA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NUSC drawdown since its inception was -41.49%, which is greater than NUSA's maximum drawdown of -9.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NUSC and NUSA.

Drawdown Indicators

	NUSC	NUSA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.49%	-9.44%	-32.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.10%	-1.28%	-8.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.95%	-1.62%	-25.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.85%	-9.44%	-19.41%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.07%	-0.46%	-0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.17%	-1.64%	-6.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.80%	0.38%	+2.42%

Volatility

NUSC vs. NUSA - Volatility Comparison

Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) has a higher volatility of 5.19% compared to Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA) at 0.58%. This indicates that NUSC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than NUSA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NUSC	NUSA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.19%	0.58%	+4.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.72%	1.42%	+11.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.45%	1.84%	+15.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.19%	2.81%	+18.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.34%	2.72%	+19.62%

NUSC vs. NUSA - Expense Ratio Comparison

NUSC has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than NUSA's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

NUSC vs. NUSA - Dividend Comparison

NUSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.92%, less than NUSA's 3.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NUSA Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF	3.86%	3.83%	3.93%	3.54%	2.44%	2.16%	2.51%	2.85%	3.22%	2.20%
NUSC Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF	0.92%	1.05%	1.15%	1.11%	1.16%	7.06%	0.52%	0.90%	3.95%	0.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NUSC and NUSA in my portfolio?

NUSC and NUSA have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NUSC or NUSA?

NUSC has higher volatility (5.19%) compared to NUSA (0.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NUSC dropped -41.49% vs NUSA's -9.44%.

Which ETF is better, NUSC or NUSA?

On 5-year performance, NUSC leads with 4.65% vs 1.58% for NUSA. On fees, NUSA is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, NUSA has been the lower-risk option at 0.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NUSC or NUSA?

Over the 5-year period, NUSC has performed better with a 4.65% return vs 1.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NUSC or NUSA?

NUSA is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for NUSC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NUSC or NUSA?

NUSA has the higher dividend yield at 3.86%, compared with 0.92% for NUSC.

What is the main difference between NUSC and NUSA?

NUSC is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while NUSA is Short-Term Bond. NUSC tracks MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small Cap, while NUSA tracks ICE BofA Enhanced Yield US Broad Bond (1-5 Y). Their fees differ too: 0.30% for NUSC and 0.15% for NUSA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NUSA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.76 vs 1.62), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.